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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES September 08, 2010 PRESENT: Todd Clark, Dennis Arnold, Shirley Mattox, and Steve Cummings EXCUSED: Joe Blechl, Arlene Schmuhl STAFF: David Buck, Principal Planner OTHERS PRESENT: None CALL TO ORDER Mr. Clark called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm and a quorum was declared present. APPROVAL OF AUGUST MINUTES Mr. Arnold noticed that the Landmarks "Commission" was referred to as "Board" in several instances and asked that those be corrected. Additionally, under the WISDOT item, the minutes refer to the chairperson as Mr. Arnold and it needs to be changed to Mr. Clark. Ms. Mattox moved for approval of the August minutes as amended. Mr. Arnold seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW AUGUST, 2010 Mr. Buck went over the list of building permits that were issued in the month of August and described work completed, work being done and work not yet started. Ms. Mattox stated that she felt that garages could be an extension of the architecture and needed to be protected as part of the entire historical property, including raze permits. The Commission had a general discussion on the topic of building permit application and issuance. The topic of early education to those who own historic properties as an element of the Landmarks mission such as the replacement of windows and the misinformation and confusion that exists around the topic of repairing original windows versus removing them and adding new vinyl windows. Ms. Mattox brought up the thought of a workshop discussion with groups such as NeighborWorks, Terry Laib and others about educational program material to help disseminate knowledge on window, porch, masonry, lead paint and other historically sensitive rehabilitation. Thoughts of then having this information placed in periodicals, the web and on public television were discussed. MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE (MLS) Mr. Cummings provided a copy of the current MLS to the Commission. He stated that this list is for all homes for sale that are between $75,000 - $150,000 and displays properties for sale categorized by age in increments up to 50 years old with houses over 50 years old being grouped together as a single category. Mr. Cummings made the comment that homes under 50 years such as 1950s styles should also be discussed as potentially historic. Mr. Arnold added that he is unaware of architectural style names but that there are distinct qualities that are specific to many housing 1 of 3 types of that time period. Mr. Clark agreed that there are especially historic elements to the interiors such as the fixtures and the built -ins. WEBSITE DESIGN UPDATE Mr. Buck stated that he believed Ms. Schmuhl had been taking the lead on the website design as well as the newsletter and since she is not in attendance does not have anything to share. Mr. Clark stated that this item would be better addressed after he has a chance to speak with Ms. Schmuhl to determine if she is still participating in the Landmarks Commission and where any of the items she is working on stand. WISDOT HIGHWAY 41 BRIDGE PROJECT UPDATE Mr. Clark stated that he has not had time to put anything together from Landmarks review yet but as a reminder, he was asked to serve on a committee to review the Butte des Morts pedestrian trail kiosks to assist in drafting historical content to be included regarding the importance of the river and lands. Ms. Mattox suggested speaking with several people for information. PLAQUES Mr. Buck went over several samples of proposed plaque designs and talked about what specifics the Landmarks Commission would want regarding content. He also mentioned that a budget request may be placed in the Community Development Department budget as a pilot but that additional details on the program will need to be determined. Mr. Cummings said that the history of sites so they are legible is great, especially for parks and along any walking or biking trails. Mr. Clark expressed that he felt the plaques were good ideas whether they are informational public or individual landmarked plaques but that the designs and program details must be "fined tuned ". Mr. Cummings suggested that the Hick's Foundation or the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation may want to be a part or contribute to the effort. Mr. Cummings discussed the possibility of getting plaques with very little text, possibly just dates, to keep costs low so that property owners who wished to get one on there own could do so and the Landmarks Commission could break -even. RIVERSIDE CEMETERY CHAPEL UPDATE Mr. Buck stated that the discussion on the use of the Chapel for the Paranormal Investigation convention was discussed and can be used, as long as we get a person(s) to act as "caretakers" while it is in use. Ms. Schmuhl had been spearheading this effort to try to coordinate the use of the Chapel at Riverside in Mid - November but has been absent at the last several meetings and has not been in contact with staff or the Chair. Dana Ecker at the CVB had contacted staff and asked if anyone would be available to speak to the group the day /night they are choosing to meet at the chapel as Ginny Gross will not be available. Ms. Mattox suggested that either Brad Larson or Debra Daubert be contacted to see if they would have anyone available. Mr. Buck stated he would contact Ginny and /or Debra to see if he could get some help with speaking or at least information and report back in October. ANNUAL REPORT Mr. Buck went over examples of previous years reports and discussed the missed year and the location of the electronic or hard copies. Mr. Clark stated that he would get something together to 2 of 3 bring back in October but was unsure what to do about the graphics. Mr. Buck stated some staff or intern time could be allocated to supplying graphics once topics were generated. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING Items to consider for the next meeting include: Review of building permits /MILS listings Commission Membership and Recruitment Historic plaques Riverside Cemetery Chapel Annual Report Neighborhood Threats NeighborWorks Interface OCAT as Education Tool Highway 41 bridge project update ADJOURNMENT Mr. Arnold moved and Mr. Cummings seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:05 pm. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, David Buck Principal Planner 3 of 3